LOS ANGELES, CA – In this week’s “UFC Tonight,” analyst Ariel Helwani reveals exclusive news regarding Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s future with the UFC. Host Kenny Florian discusses Frankie Edgar’s rematch with new UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson and Junior dos Santos’s next fight. Jake Ellenberger talks about his hometown throw down victory in studio and reveals who he wants to fight next, and viewers get a sneak peak of “The Ultimate Fighter: Live.”

 

“UFC Tonight” Analyst Kenny Florian on if Rampage will really retire: “I don’t think he’s going to retire. We will see Rampage in the Octagon again. He’s an emotional guy and running on those emotions. He’s going to fight again and it has to be with us.”

 

Florian on Frankie Edgar’s rematch with Benson Henderson: “That first fight was a five-round war, and Benson Henderson edged him out by decision. Frankie Edgar, who gave rematches to the last couple opponents, is going to get the rematch himself. And I cannot wait for that rematch.”

 

Florian’s first impression of Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem matchup announcement: “Any time you get a number one and number two heavyweight going at it, it will be a huge fight. Both these guys are very explosive. One of these guys is getting knocked out. This is the fight everyone wants to see.”

 

Florian on the UFC 146 fight card: “We have the top four heavyweights in the world…the only thing you can compare this to is the Grand Prix in the heyday of Pride. This is definitely the best card for heavyweights and I certainly cannot wait to see it.”

 

Jake Ellenberger on what it felt like to win in his hometown: “It’s a surreal feeling. It’s awesome to really feel all the support. There is no feeling like it.”

 

Ellenberger on how going five rounds against Diego Sanchez would have played out: “I was definitely prepared…he’s a tough cat, but I was prepared to fight more rounds. He had a good position on me but I could have kept going.”

 

Ellenberger on a possible rematch with Carlos Condit: “I’m ready for him. I’ve won six in a row, it’d be a great time for a rematch against Condit. It keeps me up at night, makes me want to work harder and motivates me to work harder and come back stronger. You saw what I did with a two-week notice. If I had eight or ten weeks to prepare…”

 

Ellenberger on if Martin Kampmann vs. Jake Ellenberger should happen: “Sure, why not. I feel like I can beat anyone at 170 pounds in the world and I’ll continue to prove that.”

 

Helwani on the status of Anthony Pettis after Edgar was granted rematch: “I spoke to Anthony’s manager just a few hours ago and he told me that he was really disappointed, but he respects the decision. He would consider going down to 145 to fight Aldo. This is definitely something to monitor.”

 

Florian on which contestant from “The Ultimate Fighter: Live” impressed him the most:“Sam Sicila, with that eight-second knockout. It’s going to scare the rest of the competitors because now they know that he has that kind of knockout power. And he’s still healthy. It was only an eight-second fight.”

 

Florian giving advice for “The Ultimate Fighter: Live” contestants: “You have to stay focused on what the goal is, and that’s earning that contract. You have to know what you’re there for—not getting caught up in the hype and the cameras. You’re there as a fighter. You have to focus on training until the end.”

 

“UFC Tonight” is the official weekly news and information show of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, airing every Tuesday night at 10:00 PM ET on FUEL TV. The show is co-hosted by veteran UFC fighter and multiple title contender Kenny Florian and former UFC host and WEC Announcer Todd Harris. Two-time World MMA Awards Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani adds insider news.

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